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Home My WebLink About12-17-2025 CC MinutesC11'Y OF �T SEgAsTIA HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. Mayor Jones called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. A moment of silence was held. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Nunn. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor Fred Jones Vice Mayor Bob McPartlan-Excused Council Member Ed Dodd Council Member Chris Nunn Council Member Sherrie Matthews Staff Present City Manager Brian Benton Interim City Attorney James Stokes Acting City Clerk Cathy Testa Chief Financial Officer Brian Stewart Building Director/Fire Marshal Wayne Eseltine Community Development Director Alix Bernard City Engineer/Special Projects Manager Karen Miller Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde Airport Director Jeff Sabo Human Resources Director Cindy Watson Procurement and Contracts Manager Jessica Graham Police Chief Daniel Acosta Police Lt. Dino Savvidis AGENDA MODIFICATIONS -None 6. PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS Brief Announcements: Friday, December 19 - Sebastian Police Department's Movie NightOut-A Christmas Carol - 5:30pm to 8pm Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 2 Saturday, December 20 - Santa's Open House Sponsored by the Sebastian Woman's Club in Riverview Park - 2pm to 4pm City Hall will be closed for the holiday December 24th, 25th and 26th. Council Member Nunn announced the upcoming events. 7. PUBLIC INPUT - None 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consideration of the Draft November 12, 2025 City Council Minutes 25.187 B. Consideration of Alcoholic Beverage Approval for the Camerena Familv MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve Consent Agenda Items A and B. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS 25.182 A. Charter Review Committee Appointments Mayor Jones introduced the item regarding Charter Review Committee appointments. The Interim City Attorney explained that, pursuant to the city charter, a periodic charter review is required. Council members had previously submitted their appointments, and the charter allows for up to five at -large members. At the time of the meeting, three applications for at -large positions had been received. The Interim City Attorney noted that council was not required. to fill all five positions and advised that a smaller group could be more manageable. The Interim City Attorney further outlined a proposed schedule, including an organizational meeting planned for January 5th due to the holiday schedule. The committee would receive training on Sunshine Law requirements and copies of the charter. A tentative meeting calendar was also discussed, noting potential conflicts with other boards that meet on Mondays and the need for flexibility. The Interim City Attorney emphasized the importance of maintaining an expedited schedule to meet deadlines for potential placement of charter amendments on the November election ballot. He noted council action was required only on the appointments, not the proposed schedule. Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 3 Council Member Nunn made a motion to approve the three at -large applicants: Felicia Holloman, Wanda Simmons, and Nicholas Scheskowsky. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding whether to leave the remaining two at -large positions open. Mayor Jones expressed concern that filling additional positions later could be difficult once meetings begin. The Interim City Attorney suggested, as an option, authorizing the City Manager to appoint one city employee representative and one police department representative to provide employee input, noting that this approach has been used in other jurisdictions. Council Member Dodd moved that the City Manager be authorized to appoint a city employee representative and a police department representative to the Charter Review Committee. Council Member Matthews seconded. Council Member Nunn rescinded his original motion and made a new motion to: • Approve the three at -large applicants (Felicia Holloman, Wanda Simmons, and Nicholas Scheskowsky), and; • Authorize the City Manager to appoint one city employee representative and. one police department representative, with all members required to be residents of the City of Sebastian. Council Member Matthews seconded the revised motion. Mayor Jones called for public comment. There were no comments from the public or from Zoom participants. Public comment was closed. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 25.188 B. Citizen Budget Review Advisory Board Mayor Jones introduced the item regarding Citizens' Budget Review Advisory Board appointments. The Acting City Clerk explained that re-elected Council Members could confirm their existing appointees. The Acting City Clerk further noted that Council, as a whole, could consider reinstating Scott Baker for another term. Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 4 • Mayor Jones confirmed his appointee. • Council Member Nunn confirmed his appointee. • Council Member Matthews announced her appointee as Bill Flynn. Mayor Jones called for public comment. There were no comments from the public or from Zoom participants. Public comment was closed. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Mayor Jones to reappoint Scott Baker for another term on the Citizens' Budget Review Advisory Board. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 12. NEW BUSINESS 25.189 A. Consideration of Selecting Spirit of Sebastian, LLC as the Awarded Comganv for ITB#26-01 Sale of Surplus Land - Bailey Drive and Authorize the Mavor to Execute the Appropriate Documents Mayor Jones introduced the agenda item regarding the consideration of selecting Spirit of Sebastian, LLC as the awarded company for the sale of surplus land. The Procurement Manager presented the item and stated that, pursuant to Council's direction, a bid was issued for the sale of the property located on Bailey Drive. The appraised value of the property was $165,000, and the City received a bid in the amount of $166,000 from Spirit -of Sebastian, LLC. She requested Council approval to move forward with negotiations and advised that, once the agreement is executed, there would be 45 days to closing. The Procurement Manager indicated they were available to answer any questions. Mayor Jones opened the floor for public comment. There were no comments from the public and no hands raised on Zoom. Public input was closed. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to award the sale of the property to Spirit of Sebastian, LLC. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 5 Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 25.119 B. Consideration of Selectina Wirearass Ecological Associates. LLC. for ITB 26-02 Tree Inventory and Condition Assessment and Authorize Citv Manaaer or Desianee to Issue Purchase Order up to S62.500.00 Mayor Jones introduced Item 12B regarding the selection of Wiregrass Ecological Associates, LLC for a tree inventory and condition assessment. The Procurement Manager presented the item and explained that the Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a grant to perform tree canopy surveys. A bid was issued for a tree inventory and assessment, initially scoped to cover city parks based on available funding. After bids were received, she informed that additional funding remained and discussed the possibility of expanding the scope to include medians and other locations within the City of Sebastian, subject to favorable pricing. The Procurement Manager requested council approval to enter into the contract and stated she would be available to answer questions. Mayor Jones asked about the disparity between bid amounts and expressed concern regarding the significantly lower bid. The Procurement Manager responded that Wiregrass Ecological Associates, LLC is_not an engineering firm and therefore has lower overhead. She had contacted other agencies where the firm had performed similar work, and reported that the clients were extremely satisfied with the results. Council Member Dodd asked whether any expansion of the project scope would require a change order and expressed concern regarding the approval amount shown as up to $62,500 when the initial bid amount was approximately $20,100. Procurement staff clarified that the bid was for tree inventory and condition assessment within the City of Sebastian and that any additional work would be handled through a change order brought back to council for approval. Council Member Dodd and Council Member Nunn both expressed support for the firm's qualifications but emphasized the importance of council oversight through a formal change order process for any additional work. The Procurement Manager confirmed that any expanded scope would be presented to council with specific details for approval. Mayor Jones opened the floor for public comment. There were no comments from the public and no hands raised on Zoom. Public input was closed. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Mayor Jones to approve the selection of Wiregrass Ecological Associates, LLC. Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 6 Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 25.178 C. Consideration of the New Lease for Hav_ burn Asset Manaaement, LLC, for Hana_ ar at Sebastian Municipal Airport Mayor Jones introduced Item 12C regarding the consideration of a new lease for Hayburn Asset Management, LLC for a hangar at Sebastian Municipal Airport. The Airport Director presented the item and explained that the lease is for one of the newly completed three -square hangars on the west side of the airport. The tenant is an existing occupant with approved leases for other northwest side hangars. The lease will provide temporary protection for the tenant's aircraft, which currently occupy two shade hangars, one T-hangar, and apron space. The lease term is for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension, until the tenant's larger hangar facilities are completed. Mayor Jones asked if council had any questions and opened the floor for public comment. There were no comments from the audience or from Zoom participants. Public input was closed. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve the lease for Hayburn Asset Management. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 25.024 D. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-48 to Accept FDOT Public Transportation Grant Aareement - Construct Terminal Apron Expansion - Givina Approval for the Citv Manaaer to Execute The Airport Director presented the item and explained that the grant represents the next phase of a project to expand the existing terminal apron, which currently provides parking for six transient or local aircraft. The proposed expansion would increase capacity to twelve aircraft parking spaces. He informed design phase of the project is approximately 90 percent complete, and this grant represents the FDOT portion of the construction funding. The Airport Director noted that no construction activity would begin until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant is received, which is Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 7 anticipated in June or July. The FDOT portion represents 2.5 percent of the total project cost, and the city will provide a matching 2.5 percent when the FAA funding is awarded. The Airport Director described the project location as the terminal apron accessed from East Airport Drive off of Main Street. He explained that the expansion would support increased transient and local aircraft traffic, improve aircraft tie -down and safety during inclement weather, and support continued growth at the airport. Council Member Dodd asked whether the funding was for design or construction, and the Airport Director clarified that the design phase is nearing completion and that this grant is for the FDOT portion of construction funding. Council Member Nunn emphasized that the City's portion of the project is approximately $27,000, representing 2.5 percent of the total cost, with the majority of funding provided by the FAA and FDOT. Council Member Dodd further noted that the city match would be paid from airport enterprise funds and not from the city's general fund. Mayor Jones opened the floor for public comment. There were no comments from the audience and no hands raised on Zoom. Public input was closed. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve Resolution No. R-25-48. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council.Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 .13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS . The Interim City Attorney advised that he had no items to present. 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS The City Manager reported that preservation work, including cape seal treatment, had recently been completed in the Schumann Drive area near Schumann Park in the Kildare area, as well as across the street in the Crawford Mabry neighborhood. He noted that while the work was substantially complete, some issues had arisen due to residents driving on the surface too early and contractor -related items identified during inspections. The contractor remained on site and had not demobilized. The City Manager advised cleanup efforts were underway, including removal of excess gravel and pressure washing of affected driveways. Additional repair work was scheduled to Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 8 begin and would resume after the holidays to complete remaining items. He stated that these issues would be addressed by the contractor at their responsibility. The City Manager also provided an update on the City Attorney interview process. He advised that interviews would be held on January 71", with individual interviews beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding around 12:30 p.m., followed by lunch with finalists and council members. Public interviews would begin at 1:30 p.m., with each candidate allotted 45 minutes. A special meeting would reconvene at 5:01 p.m. The City Manager noted that the Acting City Clerk would coordinate individual interview schedules with Council members. The City Manager thanked Council on behalf of City staff for approving December 26t" as an additional day off. He reported receiving positive feedback from employees and expressed appreciation for council's support of staff. The City Manager concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS The Acting City Clerk extended holiday wishes to council, staff, and the public, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS Council Member Nunn wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked those in attendance. Council Member Dodd acknowledged city staff and attendees, noting the festive holiday spirit, and extended holiday greetings. Council Member Matthews congratulated Sebastian River High School athletic teams, including boys wrestling for defending their title at the Kenny Pfeiffer Invitational and the girls wrestling team for earning multiple gold medals. She also recognized the girls basketball team. for their performance and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy start to the new year. Mayor Jones advised that he and the City Manager met earlier that day with Representative Brackett at city hall to discuss the city's legislative priorities. He described the meeting as productive and informative. The City Manager elaborated on the discussion, noting topics including House Bill 105, various filed bills, property tax referendum proposals, Senate Bills 160 and 180, sovereign immunity, and House Bill 1379 related to septic -to -sewer conversions. He stated that sewer assistance was identified as a major priority for the city and expressed appreciation for Representative Brackett's time and engagement. Regular City Council Meeting December 17, 2025 Page 9 Mayor Jones extended holiday wishes to residents and staff, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 17. Being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Approved at the February 11, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Jones ATT 5� Catherine E. Tea, ing City Clerk